Gaming Machine and Gaming Method Thereof

ABSTRACT

A gaming environment is described. An award to be provided is determined by lottery. If the determined award is an execution of a bonus game, an animated cartoon display pattern, which indicates the bonus game is executed, is selected. On the other hand, if the determined award is not the execution of the bonus game, an animated cartoon display pattern, which indicates the bonus game, is not executed is selected. Animation symbols are displayed based on the selected animated cartoon display pattern. Also, animation displays are performed based on the selected animated cartoon display pattern.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims a priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-322805 filed on Nov. 30, 2006, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

One or more aspects of the invention relate to a gaming machine and a gaming method thereof that provide an award by positioning symbols on a display.

2. Description of Related Art

Conventionally, in a slot machine which is a type of gaming machines, when gaming medium such as coin or the like is input, a game is started and symbol row is variably displayed on a predetermined area. When a predetermined time is elapsed, the symbol row is stopped and the award is provided based on the combination of stopped symbols.

Generically, it is determined whether or not the combination of the award to be provided based on the number of the same symbols (for example, “CHERRY” or “7”) displayed on predefined payline. Also, in conventional some slot machines, if a predetermined condition is met, a special symbol, which is different form normal symbols, is displayed and moved on display, thereby entertainment will be enhanced.

In above conventional slot machines, the entertainment of the slot machine may be enhanced by additionally displaying the special symbols which are different from normal symbols. However, there is no relevance among symbols positioned on the display device. Also, above conventional slot machines notify that the award will be provided based on the kinds and number of the positioned symbols.

SUMMARY

One or more aspects invention related to a gaming machine, a gaming method thereof, a computer readable medium having computer-executable instructions or the like which enhance an entertainment. Also, one or more aspects of the present invention, an award to be provided is determined by lottery. If the determined award is an execution of a bonus game, an animated cartoon display pattern, which indicates the bonus game is executed, is selected. On the other hand, if the determined award is not the execution of the bonus game, an animated cartoon display pattern, which indicates the bonus game, is not executed is selected. Animation symbols are displayed based on the selected animated cartoon display pattern. Also, animation displays are performed based on the selected animated cartoon display pattern. One or more of the above aspects of the invention will be more fully described in the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for purpose of illustration only and not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the objects, advantages and principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a view showing animation symbols positioned when an award of execution of a bonus game is provided in a slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing a symbol display area in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view showing paylines A to E which are set by the slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a list of normal symbols in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a list of animated cartoon display patterns in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view showing animation symbols positioned when the bonus game is not executed in a slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of the slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a control process program of the slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a main game process program of the slot machine in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various aspects summarized previously may be embodied in various forms. The following description shows by way of illustration of various combinations and configurations in which the aspects may be practiced. It is understood that the described aspects and/or embodiments are merely examples, and that other aspects and/or embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It is noted that various connections are set forth between items in the following description. It is noted that these connections in general and, unless specified otherwise, may be direct or indirect and that this specification is not intended to be limiting in this respect.

A gaming machine according to one or more aspects of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings based on an embodiment embodying one or more aspects of the invention as a card game machine. However, it is appreciated that one or more aspects of the present invention may be embodied in distributable (via CD and the like) or downloadable software games, console games, and the like. In this regard, the slot machine may be a virtual slot machine that is displayed on a multi-purpose computer and/or dedicated kiosk. Aspects of the invention are described by way of hardware elements. However, it is appreciated that these elements may also be software modules that are executable in a computer. The software modules may be stored on a computer readable medium, including but not limited to a USB drive, CD, DVD, computer-readable memory, tape, diskette, floppy disk, and the like. For instance, aspects of the invention may be embodied in a JAVA-based application or the like that runs in a processor or processors. Further, the terms “CPU” and “processor” are inclusive by nature, including at least one of hardware, software, or firmware.

These terms may include a portion of a processing unit in a computer (for instance, in multiple core processing units), multiple cores, a functional processor (as running virtually on at least one of processor or server, which may be local or remote). Further, in network-based gaming systems, the processor may include only a local processor, only a remote server, or a combination of a local processor and a remote server. It is contemplated that one or more aspects of the invention may be implemented as computer executable instructions on a computer readable medium such as a non-volatile memory, a magnetic or optical disc. Further, one or more aspects of the invention may be implemented with a carrier signal in the form of, for instance, an audio-frequency, radio-frequency, or optical carrier wave.

An embodiment embodying one or more aspects of the invention as a slot machine will be described with reference to drawings. Here, the slot machine of the embodiment has an image display device such as a liquid display or the like, and executes games by displaying images of various symbols on the image display device. That is, the slot machine of the embodiment is the video slot machine.

In the slot machine of the embodiment, based on a lottery result of inner lottery which is conducted when the game is started and determines a content of an award, an animated cartoon display pattern, which indicates the award to be provided in current game, is selected among plural animated cartoon display patterns. And then, symbols, which indicate plural animation scenes making up the selected animated cartoon display pattern, are gradually displayed on a payline. Also, animation displays are performed with the use of the animation symbols. The player can understand the lottery result via a course of the animation.

For example, FIG. 1 shows a slot machine having five reels 23 to 27 on the display. Also, FIG. 1 shows a condition where the award of the execution of the bonus game will be provided based on the inner lottery. When the game is started in the slot machine shown in FIG. 1, symbol rows are displayed with scrolling on each reel 23 to 27. When a predetermined time is elapsed, the spinning reels 23 to 27 are stopped from the left. Also, five animation symbols 71 to 75 are positioned in center symbol display areas. Here, each of five animation symbols 71 to 75 indicates the scene making up the animation cartoon display pattern in which the first character 76 (simulant of a missile) battles the second character 77 (simulant of a dinosaur).

In the animation symbols 71 to 75 shown in FIG. 1, animation, which notifies that the bonus game is won, is developed by the first character 76 winning.

At first, a construction of the slot machine 1 of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the slot machine 1 of the embodiment.

The slot machine 1 may include a cabinet 2, a top box 3, and a main door 4. The top box 3 is arranged on the cabinet 2 (for instance, arranged on upper side). The main door 4 is arranged at front of the cabinet 2.

An upper display 5 may be arranged with the slot machine 1 (for example, arranged in front of the top box 3). The upper display 5 may include the display device (for example, LCD panel). Game rule, the payout table, or the like may be displayed on the upper display 5.

A lower display 6 may be arranged with the slot machine 1 (for example, arranged in front of the main door 4). The lower display 6 may be constructed from the display device (for example, LCD panel), and may include symbol display portion 7. The symbol display portion 7 may constructed from five reels 23 to 27. Symbol rows on which symbols are aligned with predetermined order may be scrolling displayed. And then, when the predetermined time is elapsed, each of three symbols (at maximum) is displayed on each reel. At a result, fifteen symbols (at maximum) are displayed according to game session (which will be described later), and a predetermined award will be provided based on the displayed symbols. Here, the number of the reels is variable. For example, the number of the reels may be three. Also, the number of the symbols is variable. For example, the number of the symbols may not be fifteen.

A touch panel 11 may be arranged in front of the lower display 6. The player can input various instructions by operating the touch panel 11.

A credit number display portion 8, a payout number display portion 9 may be arranged on the lower display 6. The credit number, in which the player currently owns, may be displayed on the credit number display portion 8. The payout number to be provided when a combination of displayed symbols on payline is any of predetermined combinations may be displayed on the payout number display portion 9.

A control panel 15, a coin insertion slot 16, and a bill insertion portion 17 may be arranged at the lower display 6 (for example, arranged on lower side). Buttons are arranged at the control panel 15. The buttons are the buttons to input the instructions for gaming session by the player. The coin insertion slot 16 may receive the gaming medium into the cabinet 2.

A start button 18, a change button 19, a cash out button 20, a 1-bet button 21, and a max-bet button 22 may be arranged on the control panel 15. The start button 18 may be used when the instruction for the start of the scrolling displayed symbol rows on reels 23 to 27 is input. Here, a physical lever may be used as substitute for the start button 18. Also, the physical lever may be used in conjunction with the start button 18. The change button 19 is used when the exchange is required. The cash out button 20 may be used when the instruction for the payment of the coin (for example, one credit is equal to one coin) or for the print a ticket is input. One or more bar codes may be printed on the ticket; The ticket may be called GAMING VOUCHER. The coin may be paid through a coin payout opening 28 to a coin tray 29. Here, other than bar code may be used as substitute for the bar code (for example, QR Code (two-dimensional bar code)).

The 1-bet button 21 is used when the instruction for the bet one credit from the player's credits. The max-bet button 22 is used when the instruction for the bet available maximum bet count in one game (for example, fifteen credits) is input. Here, various bet buttons (for example, 3-bet button) may be arranged.

In the slot machine 1 of the embodiment, the gaming medium may be coin, bill, or electronic value (credit). Here, the gaming medium may be other things as well (including but not limited to medal, token, electronic money, or ticket).

Symbols displayed in the symbol display portion 7 on the lower display 6 in the gaming session will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 3 to 5. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the symbol display portion 7 in the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the paylines A to E used in the slot machine of the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a view showing symbols and awards by a list.

As shown in FIG. 3, the symbol display portion 7 of the embodiment may be constructed from five reels 23 to 27. The reels 23 to 27 include the symbol display areas 31 to 45. Each of three symbols is displayed in each of symbol display areas. When the game is started, each of symbols (for example, fifteen symbols) is displayed in each of the symbol display areas 31 to 45. Here, in the embodiment, dot-lines are divided symbol display areas 31 45 to separate, however, the dot-lines may not be displayed.

The symbols used in the slot machine 1 of the embodiment include ten kinds of symbols 46, blank (blank symbol) shown in FIG. 5, and animation symbols shown in FIGS. 1 and 7. Here, the number of symbols and the kinds of the symbols are variable.

In the slot machine in the embodiment, if the same symbols 46 are repositioned in each of five paylines A to E with the predetermined number or more, or if the same symbols are repositioned in the symbol display areas 31 to 46 with the predetermined number or more regardless of the payline, the award will be provided.

Also, in the slot machine in the embodiment, if the animation symbols 71 to 75 (see FIG. 1), which notifies that the bonus game will be executed, are repositioned in the payline A to E, the winning of the bonus game will be realized.

If the bonus game is won, the bonus game will be ongoingly executed after the base game is executed.

The animation symbols of the embodiment will be described with FIGS. 1, 6, and 7. The animation symbols of the embodiment make up the animated cartoon display pattern. The animated cartoon display pattern notifies that the bonus game will be executed or the blank (losing) will be occurred based on the inner lottery result.

Here, in the slot machine 1 of the embodiment, if it is determined that bonus game will be executed based on the result of inner lottery performed when the game is started, the animated cartoon display pattern will be selected. Also, although it is determined that the bonus game will not be executed, the animated cartoon display pattern will be selected at predetermined chance (for example, 5%). FIG. 6 shows the animated cartoon display pattern to be selected by a list. FIG. 1 shows the animation symbols stopped and displayed in the symbol display portion 7 in a case where the animated cartoon display pattern A is selected as the animated cartoon display pattern to be notified the lottery result of the winning. FIG. 7 shows the animation symbols stopped and displayed in the symbol display portion 7 in a case where the animated cartoon display pattern C is selected as the animated cartoon display pattern to be notified the lottery result of the winning.

For example, the animated cartoon display pattern A is one of the bonus winning patterns to be selected in the case where the bonus game will be executed based on the inner lottery result, and the animated cartoon display pattern A is constructed from the first scene to the fifth scene.

If the animated cartoon display pattern A is selected, at first, the animation symbol 71 (see FIG. 1), which indicates the first scene that the second character 77 appears, is stopped and displayed on the reel 23. And, the animation display for the stopped and displayed animation symbol 71 is performed. Thereby, the appearance scene of the second character 77 is developed.

And then, the animation symbol 72, which indicates the second scene that the first character 76 appears, is stopped and displayed on the reel 24. And, the animation display for the stopped and displayed animation symbol 72 is performed. Thereby, the appearance scene of the first character 76 is developed.

And then, the animation symbol 73, which indicates the third scene that the first character 76 and the second character 77 start the battle, is stopped and displayed on the reel 25. And, the animation display for the stopped and displayed animation symbol 73 is performed. Thereby, the battle scene is developed.

And then, the animation symbol 74, which indicates the fourth scene that the first character 76 and the second character 77 continue the battle, is stopped and displayed on the reel 26. And, the animation display for the stopped and displayed animation symbol 74 is performed. Thereby, the battle scene is developed.

At the end, the animation symbol 75, which indicates the fifth scene that the first character 76 defeats the second character 77, is stopped and displayed on the reel 27. And, the animation display for the stopped and displayed animation symbol 75 is performed. Thereby, the winning scene is developed.

Accordingly, the player may be notified that the bonus game will be executed.

Also, the animated cartoon display pattern B is one of the bonus winning patterns to be selected in the case where the bonus game will be executed based on the inner lottery result, and the animated cartoon display pattern B is constructed from the first scene to the fourth scene.

If the animated cartoon display pattern A is selected, at first, the animation symbol 71 (see FIG. 1), which indicates the first scene that the second character 77 appears, is stopped and displayed on the reel 23. And, the animation display for the stopped and displayed animation symbol 71 is performed. Thereby, the appearance scene of the second character 77 is developed.

And then, the animation symbol 72, which indicates the second scene that the first character 76 appears, is stopped and displayed on the reel 24. And, the animation display for the stopped and displayed animation symbol 72 is performed. Thereby, the appearance scene of the first character 76 is developed.

And then, the animation symbol 73, which indicates the third scene that the first character 76 and the second character 77 start the battle, is stopped and displayed on the reel 25. And, the animation display for the stopped and displayed animation symbol 73 is performed. Thereby, the battle scene is developed.

At the end, the animation symbol 75, which indicates the fourth scene that the first character 76 defeats the second character 77, is stopped and displayed on the reel 26. And, the animation display for the stopped and displayed animation symbol 75 is performed. Thereby, the winning scene is developed.

Accordingly, the player may be notified that the bonus game will be executed.

For example, the animated cartoon display pattern C is one of the losing patterns to be selected in the case where the bonus game will not be executed based on the inner lottery result, and the animated cartoon display pattern C is constructed from the first scene to the fifth scene.

If the animated cartoon display pattern A is selected, at first, the animation symbol 71 (see FIG. 7), which indicates the first scene that the second character 77 appears, is stopped and displayed on the reel 23. And, the animation display for the stopped and displayed animation symbol 71 is performed. Thereby, the appearance scene of the second character 77 is developed.

And then, the animation symbol 72, which indicates the second scene that the first character 76 appears, is stopped and displayed on the reel 24. And, the animation display for the stopped and displayed animation symbol 72 is performed. Thereby, the appearance scene of the first character 76 is developed.

And then, the animation symbol 73, which indicates the third scene that the first character 76 and the second character 77 start the battle, is stopped and displayed on the reel 25. And, the animation display for the stopped and displayed animation symbol 73 is performed. Thereby, the battle scene is developed.

And then, the animation symbol 74, which indicates the fourth scene that the first character 76 and the second character 77 continue the battle, is stopped and displayed on the reel 26. And, the animation display for the stopped and displayed animation symbol 74 is performed. Thereby, the battle scene is developed.

At the end, the animation symbol 75, which indicates the fifth scene that the first character 76 loses the second character 77, is stopped and displayed on the reel 27. And, the animation display for the stopped and displayed animation symbol 75 is performed. Thereby, the losing scene is developed.

Accordingly, the player may be notified that the bonus game will not be executed.

For example, the animated cartoon display pattern D is one of the losing patterns to be selected in the case where the bonus game will not be executed based on the inner lottery result, and the animated cartoon display pattern D is constructed from the first scene to the fifth scene.

If the animated cartoon display pattern A is selected, at first, the animation symbol 71 (see FIG. 7), which indicates the first scene that the second character 77 appears, is stopped and displayed on the reel 23. And, the animation display for the stopped and displayed animation symbol 71 is performed. Thereby, the appearance scene of the second character 77 is developed.

And then, the animation symbol 72, which indicates the second scene that the first character 76 appears, is stopped and displayed on the reel 24. And, the animation display for the stopped and displayed animation symbol 72 is performed. Thereby, the appearance scene of the first character 76 is developed.

And then, the animation symbol 73, which indicates the third scene that the first character 76 and the second character 77 start the battle, is stopped and displayed on the reel 25. And, the animation display for the stopped and displayed animation symbol 73 is performed. Thereby, the battle scene is developed.

At the end, the animation symbol 75, which indicates the fourth scene that the first character 76 loses the second character 77, is stopped and displayed on the reel 26. And, the animation display for the stopped and displayed animation symbol 75 is performed. Thereby, the losing scene is developed.

Accordingly, the player may be notified that the bonus game will not be executed.

For example, the animated cartoon display pattern E is one of the losing patterns to be selected in the case where the bonus game will not be executed based on the inner lottery result, and the animated cartoon display pattern E is constructed from the first scene to the fifth scene.

If the animated cartoon display pattern A is selected, at first, the animation symbol 71 (see FIG. 7), which indicates the first scene that the second character 77 appears, is stopped and displayed on the reel 23. And, the animation display for the stopped and displayed animation symbol 71 is performed. Thereby, the appearance scene of the second character 77 is developed.

And then, the animation symbol 72, which indicates the second scene that the first character 76 appears, is stopped and displayed on the reel 24. And, the animation display for the stopped and displayed animation symbol 72 is performed. Thereby, the appearance scene of the first character 76 is developed.

And then, the animation symbol 73, which indicates the third scene that the first character 76 and the second character 77 start the battle, is stopped and displayed on the reel 25. And, the animation display for the stopped and displayed animation symbol 73 is performed. Thereby, the battle scene is developed.

And then, the animation symbol 74, which indicates the fourth scene that the first character 76 and the second character 77 continue the battle, is stopped and displayed on the reel 26. And, the animation display for the stopped and displayed animation symbol 74 is performed. Thereby, the battle scene is developed.

At the end, the animation symbol (not shown), which indicates the fifth scene that the first character 76 and the second character 77 end in a draw, is stopped and displayed on the reel 27. And, the animation display for the stopped and displayed animation symbol 75 is performed. Thereby, the draw scene is developed.

Accordingly, the player may be notified that the bonus game will not be executed.

Procedures of the game session in the slot machine of the embodiment will be described. At first, the start button 18 is pressed after the bet acceptance, the inner lottery is conducted. In the inner lottery, the award to be provided is determined. Based on the result of the inner lottery, if it is determined that the procedure will be shifted to the bonus game, the animated cartoon display pattern will be selected among the animated cartoon display patterns A to E. Also, although it is determined that the bonus game will not be executed, the animated cartoon display pattern will be selected at predetermined chance (for example, 5%) among the animated cartoon display patterns A to E. And then, the predetermined time is elapsed from the point at that the start button 18 is pressed, the reels 23 to 27 starts to spin and the symbol rows is displayed with scrolling. And then, when the predetermined time is elapsed, total of fifteen normal symbols 46 or the animation symbols are gradually displayed with the animation display. And, the award is determined based on the combination of the stopped symbols, and the determined award is provided.

A control system of the slot machine 1 of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing the control system of the slot machine 1 of the embodiment.

The control system of the slot machine 1 may be constructed from a mother board 60 and a gaming board 50 as shown in FIG. 8. The mother board 60 and the gaming board 50 make up a controller 49. The controller 49 executes control programs (FIGS. 9 and 10) or the like which will be described later.

The gaming board 50 will be described. The gaming board 50 may include a CPU 51, a ROM 55, a boot ROM 52, a card slot 53S, and an IC socket 54S. The CPU 51, the ROM 55, and the boot ROM 52 are interconnected via internal bus. A card slot 53S is adapted to receive the memory card 53. An IC socket 54S is adapted to receive a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 54. Here, PLD (Programmable Logic Device) which is other than the GAL 54 may be substituted for the GAL 54.

The memory card 53 may be constructed from non-volatile memory. Game programs and game system programs (hereinafter, “the game program and the like”) may be stored therein. The game programs stored in the memory card may include lottery program. The lottery program may be used when the award is determined or the animated cartoon display pattern is selected.

An award lottery table and an animated cartoon display pattern lottery table are stored in the memory card 53. The award lottery table is used when the award is determined by lottery. The animated cartoon display pattern lottery table is used when the animated cartoon display pattern is determined by lottery. In the award lottery table, predetermined range of the random number value corresponds to each award. Here, the award may include an execution of the bonus game, providing predetermined amount of gamine medium, or the like. At first, the award to be provided in current game is determined based on the award lottery table, and then, the combination of the normal symbols 46 or the animation symbols by the main CPU 61 as to provide the determined award. Here, in the symbol lottery table, predetermined range of the random number value may correspond to symbols to be stopped in the symbol display areas 31 to 45. In this case, at first, the normal symbols 46 or the animation symbols to be stopped in the symbol display areas 31 to 45 are determined by lottery, and then, the award to be provided to the player is determined based on the combination of the determined symbols.

In the animated cartoon pattern lottery table, predetermined range of the random number value correspond to the animated cartoon display pattern A or B, or the animated cartoon display pattern C to E. At first, it is determined that the procedure will be shifted to the bonus game based on the award lottery table. Then, if it is determined that the procedure will be shifted to the bonus game, one animated cartoon display pattern is selected among the animated cartoon display pattern A or B based on the sampled random number value. On the other hand, if it is determined that the procedure will not be shifted to the bonus game, one animated cartoon display pattern is selected among the animated cartoon display pattern C to E based on the sampled random number value.

The mother board 60 will be described. The mother board 60 may be constructed from general mother board (printed circuit board which mounts basic components), and may include a main CPU 61, a ROM 62, a RAM 63, and a communication interface 64.

The ROM 62 may be constructed from a memory device such as the flash memory (for example). The preliminary data such as BIOS program may be stored in the ROM 62. The BIOS program can be executed by the main CPU 61. If the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 61, initial processes for predetermined peripheral devices, and read processes for the game programs and the like stored in the memory card 53 will be started via the gaming board 50. Also, in the slot machine 1 of the embodiment, the animated cartoon display patterns A to E shown in FIG. 6 are stored in the ROM 62.

The data and the program, which are used when the main CPU 61 runs, are stored in the RAM 63. The verification program (which will be read via the gaming board 50), various programs (such as the game program and the like), and the number of the player's credits may be stored in the RAM 63.

The communication interface 64 may be used when the main CPU 61 communicates with the server or the like located in the game hall via the communication line.

A main PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 70 and a door PCB 80 (which will be described later) are connected to the mother board 60 respectively via USB (for example). A power source unit 65 is connected to the mother board 60. If the power source unit 65 supplies the electric power to the mother board 60, the main CPU 61 on the mother board 60 will be booted up. When the electric power is supplied to the gaming board 60, the CPU 51 will be booted up.

A hopper 66, a coin detection portion 67, a graphic board 68, a loudspeaker 69, a touch panel 11, a bill insertion portion 17 may be connected directly or indirectly to the main PCB 70.

The graphic board 68 controls display images on the upper display 5 and the lower display 6 based on the control signal from the main CPU 61. The payout table and a help screen may be displayed on the upper display 5. The reels 23 to 27 are spun, and the normal symbols 46 and the animation symbols are scrolling displayed and then stopped displayed. Also, if the animation symbols are stopped, the animation displays are performed with the use of the animation symbols based on each of the animated cartoon display pattern (see FIG. 6).

A control panel 15, a coin verifier 16S, and a coin counter 16C are directly or indirectly connected to the door PCB 80. Here, a cold cathode fluorescent lamp 81 may be connected to the door PCB 80. A start switch 18S, a change switch 19S, a cash-out switch 20S, a 1-bet switch 21S, and a max-bet switch 22S are arranged on the control panel 15. The start switch 18S is associated with the start button 18. The change switch 19S is associated with the change button 19. The cash-out switch 20S is associated with the cash-out button 20. The 1-bet switch 21S is associated with the 1-bet button 21. The max-bet switch 22S is associated with the max-bet button 22. Each of switches may output the input signal to the main CPU 61 when the button corresponding thereof is operated by the player.

A main control program, which is executed in the slot machine 1 of the embodiment, will be described in detail with reference to the drawing. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the main control program.

Concerning the slot machine 1, the memory card 53 is connected to the card slot 53S of the gaming board 50, and the GAL 54 is connected to the IC socket 54S.

When the power switch of the power source unit 65 is ON, the mother board 60 and the gaming board 50 are respectively booted-up, and the verification read process (S1) is executed. In the verification read process, the mother board 60 and the gaming board 50 execute separate processes in parallel.

In the gaming board 50, the CPU 51 reads the preliminary verification program from the boot ROM 52, and verifies that the verification program is not falsified before the verification program is taken to the mother board 60.

In the mother board 60, the main CPU 61 executes BIOS stored in the ROM 62, and checks and initializes various peripheral devices. Here, BIOS may be compressed, then, BIOS is decompressed. BIOS may be copied to the RAM 63.

The main CPU 61 reads the verification program stored in the ROM 55, and verifies that game program and the like are not falsified. Here, the game program and the like is stored in the memory card 53 which is inserted to the card slot 53S. After the verification process is normally ended, the main CPU 61 writes authenticated program to the RAM 63. The payout ratio setting data is read from the GAL 54 via the gaming board 50, and the payout ratio setting data which is read is written to the RAM 63.

After the process mentioned above is finished, the main CPU 61 finishes the verification read process.

In S2, the main CPU 61 reads the game program and the like which was verified in S1 from the RAM 63, and executes the main game process. The game in the slot machine 1 of the embodiment is executed by executing the main game process. The main game process is executed repeatedly during the electronic power source is supplied to the slot machine 1.

A sub process of the main game process in S2 will be described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the main game process in the slot machine 1 of the embodiment. Here, each of the programs shown in the flowcharts of FIG. 8 is stored in the memory card 53. The programs are decompressed to the RAM 63 of the controller 49, and decompressed programs are executed by the main CPU 61.

In S11, the main CPU 61 performs predetermined initial setting, and then, executes the start acceptance process as shown in FIG. 10. The coin is inserted and the bet value for the payline is set during the start acceptance process. Also, during the start acceptance process, various data which is set in a predetermined data area (for example, payout number counter) is cleared. Further, during the start acceptance process, the coin is inserted by the player, or the bet operation to bet from 1 bet to 50 bets with the use of the 1-bet button 21 or max-bet button 22 is operated by the player.

In S12, the main CPU 61 determines whether or not the start button 18 is operated. It is determined whether or not the start button 18 is operated based on that whether or not the input signal from the start switch 18S is received.

If it is determined that the start button 18 is not operated (S12:NO), the procedure will be returned to the start acceptance process (S11) again. In that time, some instructions such as to change the bet number are available. On the other hand, if the start button 18 is operated (S12:YES), the bet number which is set for the payline based on the operation of 1-bet button 21 or max-bet button 22, will be subtract from credit count in which the player owns. And, the bet number will be stored in RAM 63 as the bet information.

In S13, the main CPU executes the lottery process. In the lottery process, the award to be provided in current game is determined by lottery. Concretely, the main CPU 61 samples the random value among a predetermined range of the random number values by executing the random number generation program. The award to be provided is determined by lottery based on the sampled random number value and the winning lottery table.

In S14, the main CPU determines whether or not the animation display of the animation symbol will be performed based on the lottery result of S13. If it is determined that bonus game will be executed, the animation display will be performed. Also, although it is determined that the bonus game will not be executed, if the predetermined effect pattern is selected, the animation display will be performed in predetermined chance (for example, 5%).

If it is determined that animation display will be performed (S14:YES), the animated cartoon display pattern which indicates the lottery result of the award of S13 is selected among the five animated cartoon display pattern A to E stored in the RAM 63 (S15). Concretely, the main CPU 61 samples the random number value from the predetermined range of the random number by executing the random number generation program included in the lottery program stored in the RAM 63. And then, one animated cartoon display pattern is selected based on the sampled random number value and the animated cartoon display pattern table. Here, if it is determined that the procedure will be shifted to the bonus game, the animated cartoon display pattern is selected among the animated cartoon display pattern A or B. Also, if it is determined that the procedure will not be shifted to the bonus game, the animated cartoon display pattern is selected among the animated cartoon display pattern C to E.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the animated display will be performed (S14:NO), the animated cartoon display pattern will not be selected and the procedure will be shifted to S16.

In S16, the main CPU 61 determines fifteen symbols to be displayed in symbol display areas 31 to 45 among plural normal symbols 46 and the animation symbols (namely, stop position of reels 23 to 27).

In S17, the main CPU 61 starts to spin the reels 23 to 27 and the symbol rows positioned on the each reel 23 to 27 are scrolling displayed at the predetermined speed. After that, when the predetermined time is elapsed, reels 23 to 27 are stopped (in order of reel 23, reel 24, reel 25, reel 26, and reel 27), thereby, the symbols determined in S16 are gradually displayed in each reel 23 to 27 (see FIG. 1). Here, if it is determined in S14 that the animation display with the animation symbol will be performed, after each animation symbols are displayed in the predefined symbol display area once, the main CPU 61 performs the animation display with the positioned animation symbol in the symbol display area based on the selected animated cartoon display pattern in S15. After the animation display is performed, next reel will be stopped and displayed.

In S18, the main CPU 61 determines whether or not the combination of the symbols displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45 is any of the predetermined combinations corresponding to the award to be provided.

If it is determined that the combination of the award to be provided is realized (S18:YES), the procedure will be shifted to S19. On the other hand, it is determined that the combination of the award to be provided is not realized (S18:NO), the main game process will be finished. If the game is ongoing started continuously, the process of S1 and after will be executed again.

In S19, the main CPU 61 displays the award corresponding to the realized combination on the lower display 6 and the content of the award is notified to the player. For example, if the bet value is “1” and five “CHERRY” symbols are displayed on the payline, the text of “Win 15” indicating that fifteen credits will be provided as the award will be displayed. Also, if the animation symbols 71 to 75 are displayed on the payline, the text of “Win Bonus Game” indicating that the bonus game will be shifted as the award will be displayed.

In S20, it is determined whether or not the combination of the symbols display in the symbol display areas 31 to 45 is the bonus combination based on the reel spin process of S16. Here, the combination of the animation symbols indicating each scene (see FIG. 6) making up the animated cartoon A or the animated cartoon B is the bonus combination.

If it is determined that the bonus combination is realized (S20:YES), the procedure will be shifted to the bonus game (S21). The bonus game may be various games, here, in this embodiment, it will be described that the free game is the bonus game. In the free game, the games, which are the same as the base game, are executed without the bet operation with predetermined times. In the bonus game of S21, the reels 23 to 27 are spin and stopped with predetermined times, the awards, which are realized during the bonus games, will be provided in a payout process of S22 which will be described later. Here, a lottery table used in the free game may be set so that higher payout will be provided compared to the base game.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the bonus combination is not realized (S20:NO), the procedure will be shifted to S22.

In S22, the main CPU 61 provides the award corresponding to the combination of the displayed symbols. Here, if the player presses the cashout button 20, the coins in which the number of the coins corresponds to the credit count (for example, 1 credit count corresponds to 1 coin) may be provided. Also, the ticket with barcode may or may not be provided.

As mentioned above, in the slot machine of the embodiment, after the start acceptance process, the award is determined by lottery (S12), based on the lottery result, if it is determined that the procedure will be shifted to the bonus game, the animated cartoon display pattern A or the animated cartoon display pattern B, which indicate the procedure will be shifted to the bonus game, is selected among the animated cartoon display pattern A to E. Also, if it is determined that the procedure will not be shifted to the bonus game, the animated cartoon display pattern C to E, which indicated the procedure will not be shifted to the bonus game, is selected among the animated cartoon display pattern A to E (S15). And then, the animation symbols, which indicate plural scenes making up the selected animated cartoon display pattern (among A to E), are displayed based on the animated cartoon display pattern. Also, it is notified whether or not the procedure will be shifted the bonus game by gradually positioning the animation symbols on the lower display 6 (S17). Thereby, the game result of the slot machine can be notified based on the animation performed on the lower display 6. At the result, compared with that it is notified that the procedure will be shifted to the bonus game based on the kinds and number of the positioned symbols as usual, the player can easily and definitely understand whether or not the procedure will be shifted to the bonus game. Accordingly, the entertainment will be enhanced.

Also, the animated cartoon display pattern A to E notify whether or not the procedure will be shifted to the bonus game based on the battle result of the first character 76 and the second character 77. Thereby, it can be notified whether or not the procedure will be shifted to the bonus game more definitely.

Also, the animation symbols 71 to 75 and 78 are positioned on the payline, thereby, a course of the story of animation performed by the animation symbols is easily understood. Accordingly, the lottery result of the award can be notified definitely.

Here, aspects of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiment and various changes and modification can be done within the scope of the present invention.

For example, in the embodiment, the animation symbols are included in the symbols rows of the reels 23 to 27. However, the invention is not so limited. For example, the symbol rows may include only the normal symbols 46. In this case, after the normal symbols 46 are stopped and displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45, the animation symbols are newly positioned on the normal symbols 46 with an overlap.

In the embodiment, it is notified whether or not the procedure will be shifted to the bonus game based on the animation with the use of the animation symbols. However, the invention is not so limited. For example, notified bonus may be other than the bonus game. For example, the award of providing predetermined amount of gaming medium can be notified. In this case, if it is determined in the award lottery process of S13 that the predetermined amount of the gamin medium will be provided, the animated cartoon display pattern A or the animated cartoon display pattern B in which the first character 76 defeats the second character 77 will be selected in S15. On the other hand, if it is determined in the award lottery process of S13 that the predetermined amount of the gamin medium will not be provided, the animated cartoon display pattern C to the animated cartoon display pattern E in which the first character 76 loses the second character 77 will be selected in S15. And then, the animation symbols are displayed based on the selected animated cartoon display pattern.

In the embodiment, the animated cartoon display patterns A to E constructed from the animation symbols make the stories in which the first character 76 battles the second character 77. The other story can be made as long as the lottery result of the award is notified. For example, a story in which a friend character flees from an enemy character may be made. In this case, if it is determined that the procedure will be shifted to the bonus game based on the lottery result of the award, the animation symbols indicating the story in which the friend character can flee from the enemy character will be positioned on the display. Also, if it is determined that the procedure will not be shifted to the bonus game based on the lottery result of the award, the animation symbols indicating a story in which the friend character is caught by the enemy character will be positioned on the display.

Also, the present invention can be applied to slot machines using normal mechanical reels. In this case, the normal symbols 46 and the animation symbols are positioned on outer surface of the reels.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. 

1. A gaming machine comprising: a display device having display areas; a memory storing animated cartoon display patterns, each of the animated cartoon display patterns notifying whether an award is provided; and a controller programmed to: (a) determine whether the award is provided, (b) select one of the animated cartoon display patterns corresponding to the award if it is determined that the award is provided, (c) display symbols on the display areas based on the selected animated cartoon display pattern, and (d) perform animation displays on the display areas based on the selected animated cartoon display pattern.
 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the controller is programmed to: (e) determine whether a bonus game is executed, and (f) select one of the animated cartoon display pattern notifying that the bonus game is executed.
 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the controller is programmed to display symbols on a payline in sequence.
 4. A gaming machine comprising: a display device having display areas; a memory storing animated cartoon display patterns, each of the animated cartoon display patterns notifying whether a bonus game is executed using a result of a battle, the animated cartoon display patterns including a bonus pattern and a blank pattern, the bonus pattern indicating that the bonus game is executed, the blank pattern indicating that the bonus game is not executed; and a controller programmed to: (a) determine whether the bonus game is executed, (b) select the bonus pattern if it is determined that the bonus game is executed, (c) select the blank pattern if it is determined that the bonus game is not executed, (d) display symbols on the display areas in sequence based on the selected pattern, and (e) perform animation displays on the display areas based on the selected animated cartoon display pattern.
 5. A gaming machine comprising: a display device having display areas; a memory storing animated cartoon display patterns, each of the animated cartoon display patterns displaying that a first character battles a second character and notifying whether a bonus game is executed using a result of a battle, the animated cartoon display patterns including a bonus pattern and a blank pattern, the bonus pattern indicating that the first character defeats the second character and the bonus game is executed, the blank pattern indicating that the first character loses the second character and the bonus game is not executed; and a controller programmed to: (a) determine whether the bonus game is executed, (b) select the bonus pattern if it is determined that the bonus game is executed, (c) select the blank pattern if it is determined that the bonus game is not executed, (d) display symbols on the display areas in sequence based on the selected pattern, and (e) perform animation displays on the display areas based on the selected animated cartoon display pattern.
 6. A gaming method comprising: (a) determine whether an award is provided; (b) select one of animated cartoon display patterns corresponding to the award if it is determined that the award is provided; (c) display symbols on display areas based on the selected animated cartoon display pattern; and (d) perform animation displays on the display areas based on the selected animated cartoon display pattern.
 7. A gaming method comprising: (a) determine whether a bonus game is executed; (b) select a bonus pattern if it is determined that the bonus game is executed, the bonus pattern indicating that a first character defeats a second character and the bonus game is executed; (c) select a blank pattern if it is determined that the bonus game is not executed, the blank pattern indicating that the first character loses the second character and the bonus game is not executed; (d) display symbols on display areas in sequence based on the selected pattern; and (e) perform animation displays on the display areas based on the selected animated cartoon display pattern. 